TAM Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield TAM facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. How does drinking on an empty stomach affect alcohol absorption? → It speeds up absorption, raising BAC faster
2. When a large party arrives at an establishment, which policy tool is most effective for monitoring group alcohol consumption? → Assigning one server to the group and tracking drink counts per person
3. A customer presents a valid ID showing they are exactly 21 years old today. Under Maryland law, can they be served alcohol? → Yes, a person who has reached their 21st birthday is legally permitted to purchase alcohol
4. A server sees two guests taking turns ordering rounds rapidly. What TAM-recommended technique addresses this situation? → Pace service by slowing down delivery and offering food or water between rounds
5. Which of the following is the most reliable method for calculating whether a customer is old enough to purchase alcohol? → Check if the birth year on the ID is 21 or more years before the current year
6. What is the primary purpose of 'carding' customers who appear to be under 30? → To prevent service to underage individuals
7. A food server who occasionally delivers drinks tells you they don't need alcohol training. What is the correct response? → Require training because anyone who delivers alcohol must be trained
8. Which body language approach best supports de-escalation when speaking with an upset customer? → Maintain a relaxed, open posture and make appropriate eye contact
9. Under Maryland law, what is the minimum age a person must be to serve alcoholic beverages in a licensed establishment? → 18 years old
10. What is the legal significance of a Maryland establishment posting its liquor license prominently on the premises? → It is required by law and failure to display can result in a violation
11. Under Maryland dram shop liability, which scenario could expose a licensed establishment to a civil lawsuit? → Serving a visibly intoxicated patron who then injures a third party
12. A customer claims that coffee will help them sober up before driving. How should a TAM-trained server respond? → Explain that only time can lower BAC and offer to call a ride
13. Benzodiazepines (such as Valium or Xanax) combined with alcohol are dangerous primarily because: → Both are CNS depressants that together can suppress breathing to life-threatening levels
14. Under Maryland TAM training principles, what is the PRIMARY purpose of checking identification? → To confirm the customer meets the minimum legal drinking age of 21
15. A customer insists they are 'fine to drive' despite showing signs of intoxication. What principle should guide the server's response? → Prioritize public safety over the customer's preference
16. Under Maryland law, what is the minimum age for a server to sell or serve alcohol in a licensed establishment? → 18
17. What is alcohol poisoning, and why is it a public safety concern? → A life-threatening condition caused by a toxic level of alcohol in the blood
18. When verifying a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) for age, which field do you check? → Date of birth listed on the card
19. What should you do if a customer's ID photo looks like them but the birth date indicates they are 19? → Refuse service based on the birth date
20. Which of the following is the safest intervention when a visibly intoxicated guest insists on driving home? → Offer to call a rideshare, taxi, or a sober friend on their behalf
21. What is the minimum legal age to serve alcohol in Maryland? → 18 years old
22. Under TAM guidelines, an establishment's food service policy should require that food be available: → Whenever alcohol is being served
23. How can servers promote customer safety while serving alcohol? → Serve alcohol only with food and monitor behavior
24. A manager wants to test whether staff retained their TAM training. Which method is MOST effective? → Unannounced observation during service and periodic knowledge quizzes
25. Stimulant drugs like cocaine or MDMA taken with alcohol can create a dangerous false sense of sobriety because they: → Mask the sedative signs of alcohol while the liver still processes it at the same rate
26. A patron on muscle relaxants is drinking at your establishment. Muscle relaxants combined with alcohol most commonly cause: → Enhanced sedation, dizziness, and risk of falls
27. Under Maryland law, what must an establishment do before implementing a new alcohol service policy? → Train all staff on the policy
28. Which scenario requires an incident report even though no one was harmed? → A minor attempted to purchase alcohol and was refused
29. Which of the following is a sign of intoxication? → Slurred speech and loss of coordination
30. What is the best way to handle a situation where a customer becomes aggressive? → De-escalate calmly and contact security or police